Ancient jars unearthed at biblical Shiloh days before annual wine festival

Ancient Shiloh has yielded a significant archaeological find just days before its annual Wine Festival. Three well-preserved large storage jars, dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, were unearthed during ongoing excavations.

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We set out to investigate the earliest layers of the site in order to better understand the history of Shiloh, and along the way we uncovered three impressive storage jars that have remained preserved for thousands of years.

The discovery was made in a layer of earth beneath later Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Late Bronze Age remains. These excavations, led by Dr. Scott Stripling, aim to reach the site's bedrock to better understand Shiloh's history. The site previously revealed approximately 10,000 animal bones and offerings of gold and silver.

Following scientific analysis, the jars' exact age and original use will be determined. Archaeologists theorize they stored agricultural products like grapes, wine, or olive oil. Shiloh, identified with Tel Shiloh, served as a central Israelite worship location and housed the biblical Tabernacle.

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We now have the opportunity to examine what they contained and perhaps learn new details about the daily lives of the people who lived here long ago.

Despite the ongoing war and regional threats, dozens of international participants joined the excavations. The discovery coincides with Shiloh's Wine Festival, which features wineries, workshops, tastings, and a lecture on the connection between Israeli archaeology and the modern wine industry. Professor Shivi Drori will discuss his research on reviving ancient grape varieties through genetic analysis.

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Every year we come here with researchers and volunteers from around the world to uncover another chapter in the story of Shiloh, and this year people chose to come despite the war